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ELEPHANT WELFARE

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteer with the Tiger Tops Elephant Welfare Project

Kawasoti, Nepal | Just outside Chitwan National Park

Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work hands-on to improve the lives of elephants?
Join us at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, home to 12 remarkable elephants, for our immersive Elephant Welfare Volunteer Program — a unique chance to support conservation, learn from expert caretakers, and become part of our dedicated team.

Our elephants spend their days foraging and grazing in the national park, bathing in the river, and roaming freely in forested areas with their herd. At Tiger Tops, we believe in hands-off elephant experiences where guests can appreciate natural behaviors and herd dynamics without exploitation. As a volunteer, you’ll help make that vision possible.

Why Volunteer with Us?

  • Make a direct impact on elephant welfare and conservation in Nepal.
  • Work alongside experienced mahouts (elephant caretakers).
  • Live in a beautiful lodge setting next to Chitwan National Park.
  • Learn about Asian elephant biology, conservation challenges, and hands-off tourism ethics.
  • Become an elephant ambassador, sharing knowledge and advocating for the species even after you leave.

Your Role as a Volunteer

You’ll be part of the daily rhythm of the elephant camp, supporting welfare, maintenance, and guest education. Your tasks may include:

  • Cleaning, maintaining, and building improvements for elephant corrals.
  • Helping design and install enrichments like dirt mounds, water fountains, and shelters.
  • Harvesting and preparing kuchi (elephant sandwiches), grass, and browse.
  • Joining mahouts to collect fresh food for the elephants.
  • Creating social media content to share our work worldwide and boost our fundraising campaigns.
  • Educating guests on-site about elephant welfare and responsible tourism.
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What We’re Looking For

We operate year-round and welcome applicants who are:

  • 18+ years old
  • In excellent physical health and able to tolerate high temperatures and physical work
  • Willing to commit to at least one month (longer stays preferred)
  • Team players with a positive attitude and flexibility to work in changing conditions
  • Passionate about elephant welfare, conservation, and cultural exchange

Life at the Lodge

You’ll live on-site in private volunteer accommodation with your own bed, Western-style toilet, and shower. Meals are traditional Nepali fare enjoyed alongside our staff. In your downtime, you can:

  • Explore Chitwan National Park and surrounding communities
  • Take forest walks and observe elephants in their natural habitat
  • Join cultural exchange activities with lodge staff
  • Relax in the peaceful riverside setting
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Included in Your Program

  • On-site accommodation
  • Three meals per day + coffee/tea
  • Transport between Bharatpur Airport and the lodge
  • Filtered water and WiFi (weather permitting)
  • Tiger Tops Volunteer T-shirt
  • Hands-on training in elephant welfare practices

Volunteer Fees

  • $450 USD / £350 GBP per week
  • Non-refundable deposit: $200 USD (applies toward total fee)
    All fees and your labor directly support elephant welfare projects through our partnership with the Responsible Tourism Trust, a Nepali nonprofit.

How to Apply

Email volunteer@tigertops.com with:

  1. Your CV
  2. Letter of interest explaining why you want to join the project
    If selected, you’ll be invited to a short online interview.

This program isn’t easy — expect heat, hard work, and muddy boots. But you’ll also form unforgettable bonds, gain unique skills, and know that your efforts will ripple far into the future for the elephants we care for.


Apply today and become part of the Tiger Tops elephant family.